Southern Vanity: Atlanta artist Miss He makes their own rules

Arts

May 12

Written By Mike McLenighan

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Southern Vanity explores the intersectionality of black, southern, and non-binary identities through the lens of Atlanta drag artist, Miss He. By creating this gender blending aesthetic, Miss He continues to turn heads, wow audiences, and reinvigorate the meaning of drag.

They contribute a thriving energy to the Atlanta queer community while embodying the utmost authenticity and confidence; paving the way for the next generation of artists and blurring the lines of gender identity.

Tell us how you got your start performing! What is Miss He's origin story?

Miss He actually got her start under the stage name ‘Effie MiPoussey’ in Athens, Ga. It was a mouthful of a name, but so was I. I changed it to Miss He once I started performing with a mustache and wanted something that represented the gender fuck drag that I wanted to do. Also I share a birthday with Missy Elliot (July 1st) so it just seemed right.

How are you getting along during quarantine?

Drag truly has been my only source of income. My former job, the clothing warehouse, fired me because I didn’t feel comfortable coming in to work while also having a compromised immune system. I’ve ran back to my stomping ground, Athens and have been quarantining up here for the majority of this pandemic experience. It’s been rough but most of my closest friends live here which makes it a little easier!

You are known for your fashion genderfuckery, unconventional silhouettes, and sometimes sporting a mustache and sometimes not. What inspires your aesthetic?

My closet is inspired by 80s Anime aesthetics, 90s runway, and an overall gender bending lens. With makeup I try to push myself into trying new techniques. I don’t feel as though I have a go-to face which is why the mustache has become a staple for most of my drag. It’s my common identifier from mug to mug.

What do you think separates southern drag performers from other parts of the world?

To quote Andre 3000, “The South got something to say!” In my opinion, queers from the south are the leaders of the queer movement because we choose to live our truths outwardly despite the conservative/anti-LGBTQIA+ zeitgeist most southerners have. There is so much power in saying “Fuck it! Ima do me” and southern drag performers, no matter how seasoned, carry that mentality with them.

Any advice for the baby drags trying to break out into the scene?

It’s the same advice every working drag performer suggests to a newcomer: go out in drag to drag shows, talk to show runners, be respectful of the way each one runs their shows. Remember no one gets into this art form being the perfect performer they idealize. Be patient with yourself and practice! It’ll get you far!

What are you listening to?

Sibling Rivalry and The Read are podcasts that have been accompanying me on my walks when I need to get out of the house. if your not familiar with either, support queer black artists and check them out ASAP!

Who are some artists and performers we should we be following?

Follow the local queens in your area. Those are the performers who grow into the stars you stan on TV. We have all taken a huge hit during this pandemic and local drag performers are trying to get by without those weekly/monthly bookings.

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Follow Miss He @misshethequeen and Mike McLenighan @mikemclenighan on Instagram

PHOTO CREDITS

Model…………...Trev Blake
Photos…………...Mike McLenighan
HAIR / MUA…………...Trev Blake
Styling…………...Trev Blake
Assisted by…………...Michael Hogan & Steve Olivier

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